Iraqi Shia Bloc Defies Trump Ultimatum, Reaffirms Maliki Support in Sovereignty Stand

In a calculated rebuke to U.S. pressure, Iraq's dominant Shia political coalition, the Coordination Framework, has formally reaffirmed its support for former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. This declaration, issued on January 31, directly counters a recent threat from former U.S. President Donald Trump to sever American aid should Maliki—a figure with deep ties to Tehran—return to power. The bloc, which holds a parliamentary majority and includes parties linked to Iran-aligned militias, framed its decision as a defense of national sovereignty, asserting that prime ministerial selection is a 'purely Iraqi constitutional matter' and rejecting perceived foreign interference. This development underscores the persistent and complex struggle for influence in Baghdad between Washington and Tehran. It represents a significant diplomatic setback for U.S. efforts to curb Iranian sway through direct political warnings, instead demonstrating the resilience of pro-Iran factions within Iraq's governing structures. The move signals that key Iraqi political actors are willing to risk Western alienation to maintain their strategic alignment, potentially recalibrating the balance of power and complicating future U.S. engagement in the region.